"Manchester United" will return to the Champions League after missing out this season, following their 4-1 victory over struggling "Chelsea" yesterday, Thursday, ensuring they finish the season in the Premier League's top four. The goals for the three-time European champions were scored by Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes (from a penalty), and Marcus Rashford. "United" needed just one point from their last two matches to extinguish "Liverpool's" hopes for a top-four finish.
"Erik ten Hag," the manager of "Manchester United," told Sky Sports that "this is important; this club belongs in the Champions League. It's not easy in the Premier League; it's a tough competition, so accomplishing this task is a result of strong performance."
"United" occupies third place with 72 points ahead of one final match of the season, six points clear of fifth-placed "Liverpool." "Newcastle," in fourth place, secured a Champions League spot with a goalless draw against "Leicester City" last Monday.
"Chelsea," who have struggled throughout the season, sits in 12th place with 43 points. "United," who host "Fulham," the tenth-placed team, in the final round of the league on Sunday, won the EFL Cup in February and aims for a domestic double when they face local rivals "Manchester City" in the FA Cup final on June 3rd.
Fernandes stated that his team's season is "good, not perfect because we want more. But considering what we've done this season, I think it's great. We won one title, and we reached the top four, which was our goal after realizing we couldn't compete for the title."
"United" has not lost a league match at home under ten Hag in 17 games since the opening round of the season.
Casemiro opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a close-range header, taking advantage of a long set piece with poor defensive marking. The Brazilian was involved in the build-up to the second goal scored by Martial just before half-time with a clever pass. "Chelsea," managed by interim coach Frank Lampard, collapsed in the final minutes, with Fernandes converting from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute, before Rashford netted his 30th goal in all competitions this season in his first appearance after missing the last two matches.
João Félix scored Chelsea's only goal in the 89th minute. However, the unfortunate news for the hosts was the exit of Anthony after apparently sustaining a foot injury. Ten Hag indicated that he does not yet know the extent of the injury.
